Joe Hart is England No.1 for a reason and the Manchester City man will be joined on the plane by Jack Butland now showcasing his quality on a regular basis with Stoke.

Gary Cahill is the first-choice centre-half and Chris Smalling has seemingly nudged aside Phil Jagielka in the race to partner the Chelsea man; all three however are certainties for France. Luke Shaw's injury means Leighton Baines is the undisputed first-choice left-back, with Nathaniel Clyne likewise on the right.

Point to prove: Sturridge didn't feature at all in qualifying but will go if fit (Image: Reuters / Phil Noble)

Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson are guaranteed starters, fitness permitting, while Ross Barkley has played himself into the squad - the question now is should he start. Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain offer flexibility in attacking areas while James Milner's versatility and experience makes him a shoo-in.

Up front, captain Wayne Rooney is a definite, as are Theo Walcott and Harry Kane. Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge, so supremely talented and confident in his own ability, is too, provided he can steer clear of injury.

Choice: Delph needs to get over his injury and back to regular action (Image: Reuters)

Tom Heaton was England's third keeper in the most recent squad, but with long-time Hodgson favourite Ben Foster expected to be back to fitness after Christmas, the West Brom keeper remains very much in contention.

A big choice in defence is either John Stones or Manchester United's Phil Jones; the ability of both to cover at right-back is likely to have a negative effect on Kyle Walker. How/if Luke Shaw recovers from his double leg-break will decide Ryan Bertrand's fate.

Comeback: Welbeck should return to action in the early part of 2016 (Image: PA)

With Wilshere the No.1 pick for the deep-lying midfield role, Jonjo Shelvey and Michael Carrick face off to act as his back up; Carrick's experience may give him the edge. Fabian Delph and Andros Townsend must both get fit and find regular action throughout the season; Delph had been in the first-choice midfield but a move from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1 and Barkley's emergence work against him.

Outsiders

Impression: England under-21 star Dier has done well for Spurs this term (Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)

Fraser Forster is very much on the outside looking in, thanks to a broken kneecap and while Kieran Gibbs may have started in Lithuania, he's down the pecking order at left-back and is currently losing his battle with Nacho Monreal at club level.

The Tottenham pair Eric Dier and Ryan Mason have both impressed at various points in the last 12 months, and the former's versatility could prove a valuable asset; he, Norwich winger Nathan Redmond and Jordon Ibe are all key members of Gareth Southgate's under-21 squad.

Shock: Carroll led the line at Euro 2012 - If he proves his fitness, who knows (Image: Reuters)

In forward areas, Saido Berahino has an excellent record for the under-21 side and is now working to repair fences at West Brom. He's a natural goalscorer but is more likely a candidate for Russia 2018.

Then there's Andy Carroll, the man who wore the No.9 shirt at Euro 2012. The 26-year-old hasn't played for his country since 2012 as injuries have wrecked his career, but if he can prove his fitness and get among the goals at West Ham, he's a possibility, no matter how remote it may seem.